I turn to see him eyeing the stack of Charlotte’s cases lining the wall as the staff prepares to load them. Emmanuel holds up his own modest bag.
Charlotte glares at him. “Because a queen’s attendant needs to be well dressed. And two of them are for Veya, Em.”
I sigh. We’ve prepared for the pomp and circumstance, even though I’d rather skip right to the bloodshed.
Five carriages line the front drive of the castle, accompanied by twenty guards, and I step out into the night and climb into the royal carriage, flopping onto the plush seat as Second barrels in behind me. Moments later, the carriagejolts forward, and we leave the castle grounds, passing the crop fields that feed our human populace in this region of the Night Kingdom. An early frost bites at the edges of the stables and garden sheds, and I shove my hands in my pockets, knowing we’re in for a much deeper cold in Goreon.
We’ll be at Castle Death by sunrise, with two brief stops along the way. The Night Kingdom barracks is our first destination. We need to appoint the temporary second to run things while we’re in Goreon.
We ride past the artisan town of Meadowbrook and over the bridge that connects the two sides of the river, entering my army’s territory. The vast estate sprawls along the river’s edge and, with its surrounding village, houses seven hundred warriors, the rest of our legion stationed at the Northern Wall.
Our travel party comes to a stop in front of the stately three-story building, beautiful in its simplicity, with cream stone and tall windows.
“Let’s make this quick,” Second says, throwing open the carriage door. As the general of our army, he leads the way down the wide path into the estate, and we follow him into his domain.
We’ve stitched protection into the fabric of our culture; even those who don’t serve in the army learn to fight. And any citizen of the Night Kingdom is welcome to train at the estate for as long as they desire.
We walk into chaos.
The officer lounge is busy, vampires rushing from table to table, inspecting maps and correspondence, voices raised and tempers raging. Second clears his throat, and the room turns and lowers to a knee when they notice their queen.
“Officer Cave, what’s going on?” I ask the male we’re here to see.
The room rises and returns to urgent duties while Second and Emmanuel join in at the map tables.
“My queen,” Cave says, disheveled blond hair falling over his eyes as he bows. “Uprising in the Southern Continent. Nothing we can’t handle, but they’ve lost an entire village to a coven attack.”
Our control over the Southern Continent has been an uphill battle, but it’s one we will never give up on.
“Were we able to save anyone?” I ask.
Cave’s fangs pop with his rage. “We didn’t make it in time.”
I hiss. “Second,” I call, and he joins us, hands on his hips and eyes red with his anger. “I’d like to move a hundred out of the estate to the continent. Sounds like we could use stability across the channel.”
Cave nods in agreement, gaze shifting to Charlotte beside me.
“I’ll assemble the team,” Second agrees and disappears into the grand foyer.
“Thank you for your diligence, Cave,” I tell him, and the vampire’s eyes shift to the map tables, his shoulders tense with stress. This is why I chose him. He actually gives a shit and cares about his duty with the same ferocity that I do.
An upheaval in the Southern Continent makes our departure to Goreon even riskier.Damn the gods.
“Can we speak privately?” I ask, nodding to the private meeting room off the lounge.
Cave’s eyes drag back to mine. “Of course, my queen.”
Once we’re in the room, Cave shuts the door for us, shoving his hands in his pockets. “What can I do for you, Veya?” The legion’s head officer looks at me expectantly, and I realize there’s no way to soften the blow, so I toss out what I have to say.
“I’ve been invited to Goreon.”
The vampire blanches. “You’re joking.”
I shake my head, lip quirked with my excitement. “And I’m accepting the invitation.”
Cave exhales, those tense shoulders drooping. “Fuck, Veya. Well, Second and I will handle things while you’re away.”
“That’s why we’re here,” I begin, and his chin tilts in response. “Second is coming with me. Are you ready to sit on the throne in our absence?”
